Judge throws out Zimmerman libel suit against NBC

Florida – A Florida judge has thrown out a lawsuit in which George Zimmerman accused NBC Universal of defamation. As reported by Reuters, court documents say Florida Circuit Court Judge Debra Nelson determined Zimmerman was not entitled to damages after accusing the network of malice in editing a phone call he made to police prior to the shooting death of unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin.

Zimmerman alleged in the suit that the editing had been done to intentionally make him appear to be a racist.

Nelson is quoted as writing in her summary judgment, “Because Zimmerman is unable to demonstrate that the editing choices at issue resulted in a materially false change in the meaning of what he actually said, he cannot pursue his defamation claims.”

NBC is quoted as releasing the statement regarding the ruling Monday, “NBC News is gratified by the court’s dismissal of this lawsuit, which we have always believed to be without merit.”

Zimmerman, who claims he shot Martin in self-defense, was acquitted on charges in connection with the controversial 2012 shooting death last year.